Packaging Material Handler (Days) - 12 Hour

The construction of fairlife's manufacturing facility in Webster, NY is underway. This state-of-the-art, 750k sq ft, greenfield plant is expected to be operational in late 2025 and will lay the foundation for fairlife's next phase of growth as the leading dairy nutrition provider. While coupling the industry’s latest technologies and fairlife's operational excellence to build this world-class facility, fairlife plans to hire 250 new employees and bring in approximately 5 million lbs. of milk a day, with room to grow over the coming years.

shift schedule: 

12 Hour Days: This is a night shift position, with hours from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The role follows a rotating 2-2-3 schedule: two days on, two days off, three days on, followed by two days off, two days on, and three days off. Team members will work every other weekend, including Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. 

job purpose:

The Packaging Material Operator is responsible for the organization, storage, and supply of raw materials to filling and packaging equipment via an Industrial Truck for transportation. This position provides preforms that are fed to the blow molder, caps that are directed to the capper, and chemicals for cleaning in or around the filler. They maintain the cleanliness of their drive paths while assisting with operational activities to ensure minimal contributions to downtime. Duties also consist of chemical and material waste removal, including rejected packaging products.

responsibilities:

• Follow all safety, working, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) rules.
• Report to and follow the directions of the Production Supervisors.
• Demonstrate the ability to safely operate a variety of forklifts for moving and staging material or material waste.
• Be able to clean and sort all used material as part of normal operating procedures in a neat and orderly fashion.
• Maintain proper First In First Out (FIFO) rotation of raw materials, inventory, or assigned items.
• See that all materials for finished and non-finished goods are properly stored, all the necessary paperwork is comprehensively filled out, and computer documentation has been completed in a timely manner.
• Communicate with supervisor and filler operator consistently about inventory availability or any risks associated with upcoming production orders.
• Adhere to placement of inventory in designated, labeled locations. Verify all supplies and inventory remain 18” from the walls. Consult management to determine necessary action if proper space is not available.
• Ensure packaging infeed areas stay clean, orderly, and clear of debris at all times during or between production. Store materials in an audit ready manner at all times.
• Conduct monthly and yearly housekeeping audits, while executing follow up actions to remain in specifications.
• Learn how to operate downstream packaging equipment, processing equipment, or palletizing equipment as needed.
• Aid in the training of new personnel or upskilling of team members.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

skills/qualifications required: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

• A High School diploma or General Education Degree (GED) required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to coordinate packaging material needs effectively after the appropriate training period.
• Must have the ability to troubleshoot small problems and escalate accordingly for those requiring additional expertise.
• Must work in a safe, efficient manner while adhering to all safety procedures.
• Must possess or be able to obtain an Industrial Truck Operator License.
• Ability to handle ambiguity and work in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Proficiency in English: Comfortable with both written and verbal communication, including reading and writing.

working conditions and physical requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sitting/Standing/Walking/Lifting/Carrying – The Material Handler stands on and operates an industrial truck throughout the majority of their shift, sitting approximately one quarter of the time. The Material Handler walks on uneven concrete and tile surfaces in the packaging or material storage area. They may lift up to 60 pounds on a frequent basis and 80 pounds on an occasional basis. Two or more employees work together for lifts of greater than 80 pounds.
• Pushing/Pulling/Bending/Stooping – The Material Handler pushes/pulls filled bags when re-stacking a pallet. They push/pull while using brooms, dust mops, and brushes during cleanup duties. The Material Handler bends/stoops occasionally throughout the workday for varying lengths of time.
• Squatting/Kneeling/Crawling/Twisting/Turning – The Material Handler may squat to pick up product from the floor, or during various cleanup duties. There will be occasional twisting and turning at the waist when loading material, or when performing routine responsibilities.
• Climbing/Balancing/Reaching – TheMaterial Handler steps on and off the industrial truck and climbs stairs to access material pallets or infeed chutes. The Material Handler reaches below and/or above shoulder level when removing or adding bags to a pallet, loading materials, and dumping unfinished product components.
• Grasping/Manipulation – The Material Handler will engage in frequent use of hands and fingers for pressing industrial truck operating buttons, typing on a keyboard, opening material pallets, and cleaning up material waste.

food safety requirements: 

• Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety.
• Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas.
• Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer, and/or Government requirements and standards as prioritized by the Company.
• Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to food safety and the quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Identify and record any problems relating to food safety and the quality of ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming products in terms of food safety and quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.
• In the event of an absence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities as required.

how fairlife nourishes you: 

At fairlife, we believe in better — and that includes how we support our people. We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits and wellbeing resources designed to support you physically, emotionally, socially, and financially, both in and out of work. 

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one! 

• Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance) 

• Paid Time Off to recharge and support work-life balance 

• Paid parental leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000) 

• Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support 

• 401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer match 

• Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses) 

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work-life support 

• Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability 

• Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants) 

• Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month) 

• Learning & development programs to unlock your full potential 

• Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups 

fairlife’s nour!sh program is designed to meet you where you are — supporting your individual wellbeing journey while enabling you to do your best work every day. 

position location: Webster, NY

reports to: Packaging Supervisor

travel requirements: little to none

exempt/nonexempt: nonexempt

This position is bonus eligible.